The timing of orthognathic surgery for the correction of dentofacial deformities is controversial. The expected predictable response to treatment in a young adult patient with vertical maxillary excess is illustrated by a case report. The concerns of the patient were addressed both morphologically and psychosocially. Postpoing treatment for this group of patients until growth has finally stabilized may have far-reaching consequences, although the risk of outgrowing the correction is minimized. A retrospective study of 20 adolescents who had surgical impaction of the maxilla is reported.